A policeman in a viral video that showed him pointing a firearm at a civilian in Barangay Antipolo, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte, has been relieved from his post.
According to the National Police Commission-Zamboanga (NAPOLCOM-9), the cop is a police corporal assigned to the Sapang Dalaga Municipal Police Station in Misamis Occidental while the victim was identified as a 35-year-old construction worker.
Based on investigation, the victim allegedly asked the suspect about his friend, who was also known to the police officer, outside a store evening on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
The converstaion reportedly escalated into an altercation where the officer was seen allegedly drawing and pointing a firearm at the victim.
The suspect was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at that time.
"Allegedly miadto siya sa gawas sa tindahan ug nangutana siya sa maong Police Officer kung asa ang iyang amigo nga kaila sab sa maong Police Officer and didto tungod allegedly he was under the influence of intoxicating liquor so ilang panagstorya nga miresulta sa paglalis nga miresulta sa makita nato sa video nga pagkasa ug pagtion niini ngadto sa maong sibilyan," Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.
NAPOLCOM-9 said the suspect surrendered later, and his service firearm was confiscated.
The suspect has also been placed under restrictive custody while the investigation is ongoing.
A criminal complaint for grave threat has been endorsed to the City Prosecutor’s Office in Dapitan City for appropriate filing.
NAPOLCOM-9 said it is monitoring the ongoing criminal and administrative investigations closely.
The agency also coordinated with the Dapitan City Police Station (CPS) and the victim to expedite the filing of formal administrative charges for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
“NAPOLCOM IX reiterates that any breach of discipline will be dealt with aggressively to weed out scalawags and maintain the integrity of the police service,” NAPOLCOM-9 said.
NAPOLCOM-9 warned all members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to uphold its core values strictly, stressing that law enforcers are duty-bound to exercise discipline, restraint, and professionalism at all times, whether on or off duty.
Meanwhile, the Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office (MOCPPO) said it does not tolerate any form of misconduct, abuse of authority, or irresponsible handling of firearms.
“The on-going investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and appropriate administrative and criminal charges will be imposed against PNP personnel found to have violated existing laws, rules and regulations,” MOCPPO said.
MOCPPO assured the public that the matter is being treated seriously and fairly, and that it remains committed to upholding professionalism, discipline, and accountability while ensuring due process.
PRO-10 also assured the public that the incident was an isolated case.
“Gi-transfer (na siya) sa PIAS sa Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office while under restrictive custody while padayun ang atoang pag-conduct og pre-charged investigation aron atong masuta ang iyang administrative liability sa maong panghitabo," Navarro said.
"Before nga nag-viral kini nga video sa social media aduna na gyud kitay action nga gihimo nagpasabot kana nga we will not tolerate dili nato kunsintihon any misconduct violations of law, violation sa atong policy sa atoang conduct, dili kana gina-tolerate sa PRO-10," Navarro added.
(With reports from Cyril Chaves, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)
